When took a field trip with our co-op group back in May, we did more than visit the Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park, but we also traveled to the nearby Florida Museum of Natural History in Gainesville. It is a great, always changing museum, geared toward kids. We are very happy that Sis. Michelle took on planning this part of the day.
We began exploring Florida landscape by moving through designed ecosystems. There were information kiosk about all sorts of land formations, their history, and the life forms in each one. Kate's favorite by far was playing in the cave with her friends. In fact this was the only spot that she got a picture. Through this section we got to explore bird calls and the animals of Florida, then we were able to "ride" a glass bottom boat through Silver Springs. There were so many things to see and explore on this side of the Museum that I can't possibly list them all.
The other side of the museum housed a history of the people of Florida. It began with the Indians that lived here at the time of the Spanish landing, and told about their civilization and fall. Later the story was picked up with more Indians moving out of Alabama and Georgia into Florida. And the state changed hands from the Spanish to the British to the Americans. There were several colonial exhibits as well in this section. It was Rebecca's favorite part of the day.
Finally, we came to the Discovery Zone at the end of the exhibits. This is a room geared just for exploration for kids. There were microscopes for viewing slides and other specimens. There was a interactive coloring center where you could design a fish and have it swim around the screen. Other areas included dress up and puzzles. The most intriguing exhibit may have been the drawers with natural specimens that the kids could take out and look at such as turtle shells, owl pellets, and prehistoric fossils. But the boys' favorite spot in the Discovery Zone was the fishing ship. They drove the boat and harvested fish and mussels and had a grand adventure nearly the entire time we were there.
By the time we had spent nearly an hour in the Discovery Zone it was getting late and everyone was ready to hit the road for home. It was a packed day with the Devil's Millhopper in the morning and the Florida Museum of Natural History in the afternoon. The kids slept like rocks all the way home.
We would definitely recommend a visit, especially if you take the time to explore the Discovery Center. They also have a butterfly house that is amazing. We took Britt and Ruth when they were very young and we lived in Gainesville, but didn't visit it on this particular trip. If you'd like to make a trip the address to the Florida Museum of Natural History is 3215 Hull Road which is Powell Hall in the UF Cultural Plaza, Gainesville, Florida. The park is open from 10-5, every day of the week but Sundays when they are open 1 to 5. Of course, you can always call for more information at 352-846-2000. Entrance to the museum is free though donations are appreciated. There is an extra fee for special exhibits and the butterfly house.
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